Mary Flaherty
Question:24 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will announce details of the new grant scheme for security alarms for the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the take-up of the 1996 scheme. [2836/97]
Written Answers. - Security for the Elderly.
Peadar Clohessy
Question:25 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the scheme of grants for security of the elderly will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5835/97]
Trevor Sargent
Question:29 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will take into account the problem for many elderly people in rural communities with the community support for older people scheme in view of the fact that the requirement that a voluntary organisation must apply for grant assistance necessitates an unknown number of people knowing that an individual feels vulnerable to attack; and if he will allow applications from individuals in view of this legitimate fear. [3613/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 25 and 29 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, one of the recommendations of the special task force on security for the elderly established in 1996, was that my Department introduce a once-off £2 million grant scheme to provide grant-aid to voluntary organisations in relation to security initiatives for the elderly. That recommendation was accepted.
Subsequently, I established a National Advisory Committee, on which the National Council for the Elderly, the Irish Association of Victim Support, the Reach Out Campaign, Muintir na Tíre, the Irish Countrywomen's Association and the Garda Síochána Neighbourhood Watch scheme were represented, to advise on a suitable scheme that would ensure that the available funds were targeted on the most vulnerable older people and the best possible value for money was achieved.
On the basis of the advice of this advisory committee and taking into account the amount of money available and the cost of security equipment, I decided that funding could be provided for: small-scale physical security equipment such as strengthening of doors and windows, window locks, door chains and locks and security lighting; and socially monitored alarm systems.
The scheme was operated on a once off basis and was reviewed by the National Advisory Committee at the end of December 1996.
Expenditure under the scheme in 1996 was £2.562 million. A total of 528 voluntary organisations received funding with some 14,944 individuals receiving assistance. It is expected that a similar number of individuals will benefit in 1997.
Based on the recommendation of the National Advisory Committee and the obvious need to ensure that the most vulnerable older people continue to be assisted I obtained a further £2 million in this year's budget to enable the scheme to continue in 1997.
The scheme was advertised in the national papers on 12 March 1997 and the closing date for receipt of applications is 25 April 1997. It is open for all community and voluntary organisations working with, or providing support for, the elderly to apply. The scheme will operate on the same basis as it did in 1996.
It was a recommendation of the special task force on security for elderly that to make the funds available through voluntary organisations was the most appropriate way of ensuring that the most vulnerable older people are targeted by the scheme. I was aware that many voluntary organisations were already providing services such as those covered by the scheme and had developed expertise and local contacts. Voluntary groups operate close to the ground and are aware of the greatest need in their communities. Working with the voluntary sector to deliver these funds to the most needy has the advantage that individual older people need not make an application and can have their needs met with the minimum of administration and without the need for a formal assessment of their circumstances and visits by departmental staff. I am satisfied that this is the most appropriate way in which to structure my Department's response to the situation. However, if there are pensioners who are concerned, they should contact their local office-regional office where they will be advised on how best to apply and every consideration will be given to meeting their concerns regarding confidentiality etc.
Those who can benefit from the scheme include older people i.e. people aged 65 or over living alone or living in households made up exclusively of older people, or of older and other people who are dependent and vulnerable. Priority in allocating available funds will be given to the most vulnerable older people. Vulnerability is defined in terms of advanced age, disability and isolation.